New Mexico Entertainment August 2015

V3 / Is8 • AUGUST 2015

Stephen “tWitch” Boss and Allison Holker

Dance’s new king and queen talks about how they first met, upcoming projects and their love of dance.

Dance Exposé

A FREE Publi cation

Margaret Rodgers

Jennifer James 101

www.NMEntertains.com New Mexico Entertainment • August 2015 I 1

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TABLE OF CONTENTS PG 16

COVER STORY

Stephen “tWitch” Boss and Allison Holker

Dance royality shares their lifes and love for our readers!

PG 6

PG 8

LET US ENTERTAIN YOU

LET US ENTERTAIN YOU

Arsenic & Old Lace Check out ALT’s latest production.

Dance Exposé Learn more about this two decades year old dance company and their latest concert.

PG 11

PG 20

Margaret Rodgers Comedian and mother, Rodgers is leaving her mark.

Chad Brummett New Mexico’s own talks talent and parenthood.

MAKE ‘EM LAUGH

THE 5

PG 21

PG 22

Unseen Gallery Albuquerque’s unique gallery has made the moved and added new designs

Jennifer James Steve Fye has fallen in love with this restaurant.

THE ART WORLD

THE CUT

PG 13 NOW SHOWING • PG 25 EXTRAS Meow Wolf • PG 26 EVENTS • PG 27 SIGHTSEEING

www.NMEntertains.com 4I

New Mexico Entertainment • August 2015

NME STAFF Teresa Robinson-Ewers Publisher/Editor-in-Chief info@NMEntertains.com Ariel Bisbee Photography & Mulitmedia Director Rhonda Heyns Copy Editor CONTRIBUTORS Darlene Esquibel, Winter Elise, Nadeige Severinghaus, Stephen Smith, Dave Staggs, Andy Wise NME Board Teresa Ewers Ariel Bisbee Darlene Esquibel Winter Elise Eddie Robinson SUBSCRIPTIONS New Mexico Entertainment magazine is $24 a year within the Continental United States.

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New Mexico Entertainment • August 2015 I 5

LET US ENTERTAIN YOU: ARSENIC & OLD LACE

Albuquerque

Little Theatre will open their 86th season with the laugh-a-minute, screwball comedy Arsenic and Old Lace by Joseph Kesselring. The show revolves around the Brewster family, descended from the “Mayflower,” but now composed of insane homicidal maniacs. The hero, Mortimer Brewster, is a drama critic who must deal with his crazy family and local police in Brooklyn, NY, as he debates whether to go through with his recent promise to marry the woman he loves. His family includes two spinster aunts who have taken to murdering lonely old men, a brother who believes he is Theodore Roosevelt and digs locks for the Panama Canal in the cellar of the Brewster home, and a murderous brother who has received plastic surgery to conceal his identity and now looks like horror-film actor Boris Karloff.

Classic farce at its best!!

Though the play has virtually been a staple of live theatre since

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1941, more people may be familiar with the popular 1944 film version starring Cary Grant, Josephine Hull and Peter Lorre. There are only a few differences between the movie and the play.

ALT’s production of Arsenic and Old Lace is directed by Henry Avery. The cast includes Robert Baca, Colin Borden, Ryan Jason Cook, Dehron Foster, Nick Ganjei, Jeremy Joynt, Thane Kenny, David Nava, Tim Riley, Paula Stein, Steven Suttle and Carolyn Ward.

Arsenic and Old Lace runs August 28 - September 13 at Albuquerque Little Theatre, 224 San Pasquale SW Albuquerque, NM. Curtain times are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30pm and Sundays at 2:00pm. There is a special Thursday performance at 7:30pm on Sept. 10.

Tickets are $22 for general public, $20 for seniors, $18 for students and $12 for children.

Visit www.albuquerquelittletheater.org to purchase tickets. NME

New Mexico Entertainment • August 2015

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LET US ENTERTAIN YOU: DANCE EXPOSE PRODUCTIONS

“I have taught for so many years that it needs to be more than just movement to keep me inspired.”

- Edye Allen I

heard the old saying, “Those who can’t do, teach.” Well, for a choreographer, the saying couldn’t be further from the truth. Without the choreographer, the dancer cannot exist because they provide the creative force behind every step a dancer takes. For 40 years, Edye Allen has enjoyed the love of dance and the passion it can bring. Currently producing her latest concert, White Gold, Allen, Executive Director of Dance Exposé Productions, took a moment to look back on her history of dance and where it has led her.

Her love of dance developed at a young age. “I was put in dance classes when I was five and never stopped since. Plus it didn’t come easy to me and I believe that’s what kept me going instead of losing interest.” Allen, an Albuquerque native, saw her career flourish in Los Angeles, California, but it was a struggle to make it happen. “I worked two jobs just to survive the high cost of L.A. I took dance class five days a week. I was in a dance company and I taught dance.” The experience led to 8I

Allen working with some amazing talent, including Janet Jackson, Alabama, and Steve Martin. When it came to her most memorable project, the memories came flooding back. “As much as I enjoyed doing the Alabama video, I have to say Pennies from Heaven [because it] was so grandiose and my first professional gig.”

When the time came to expand the Allen clan, the decision was clear. “I had just gotten married to Tom and did not want to start a family in L.A., and felt like being close to family again.” During this time, the love of dance was not lost. Seeing what New Mexico was missing, Allen made the leap to create her own dance company. “At that time, no studios or anyone had just a company that performed, so I put one together,” shared Allen. “It gave me an opportunity to train at a more intense level than just classes. We could rehearse more often than usual.

I was also bursting with creative dance ideas.” Those creative dance ideas has led Dance Exposé Productions to be-

New Mexico Entertainment • August 2015

Top: Choreographed number “Sail” ®Michael Kountz; Bottom: Promo shot for new show White Gold ®Edye Allen.

come a dance company known for their amazing concerts - that’s right dance concerts - with energizing and breathtaking dance numbers and intense lifts.

Creating a piece for a show may be a challenge, but Allen has her process.

“A piece of music - I keep visualizing movement to,” expressed Allen. “I see if I can keep an interest, then play with different parts of the music to see if I want to keep going, if I have ideas that will carry me through, looking for variety in music genres as well.”

Celebrating their 23rd year, the question had to be asked - what do you feel is the secret to your staying power.

Allen was not at a loss for words. “Perseverance - plus a dose of crazy. Let’s just say I completely related to the movie, Birdman.” The reference of Birdman is one that Allen deals with on a regular basis - taking a risky, creative gamble every time she puts her work on stage.

But when it comes to the players who show that work, she knows exactly what she looks for. “Sounds corny, but, passion is very attractive,” says Allen.

“I have taught for so many years that it needs to be more than just movement to keep me inspired.” However, as an Executive Director of your own company, it is even harder to find when looking for that perfect student. “Finding students that want to put in the hard work and commitment instead of just show-

time instant gratification,” says Allen.

“I was a die-hard, true-blue, never give up type of dancer. It is rare to find that type of dedication. Another challenge is the money situation. Finding the funds to keep this company going is not an easy task.” As for that one piece of advice for those looking to make it in the dance arena, “Hard work must accompany the passion and will. It’s that simple.”

As Allen pulls from life how she expects her dancers to strive, when it comes to creating a dance, she looks within and finds life experience is a big draw when creating a piece. One experience in particular led to a well-received dance number. “When I was caring for, and staying with my mom before she passed, I had to choreograph u n d e r very emotionally stressful conditions,” s h a r e d Allen.

“But it was also

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Choreographed number “Fever” ® Michael Kountz

one of my most creative times. Although it wasn’t the type of piece reflecting my sadness. Instead, I choreographed my Miami Vice medley at that time. When we lived in L.A., she and I both watched that program regularly.”

Dance Exposé has truly become a family affair. Allen works side-by-side with her daughter, Erin, and former husband, Tom. She shared how the experience has been. “[Tom] was right with me in starting Exposé. We are truly really good friends. The most special part is he and our daughter [Erin] dancing together. A lot in this show especially. It is rare, and special and mainly IT WORKS. And this year’s show, White Gold, will not disappoint. When it comes to variety, the show has it in spades. “Variety in song and dance and visuals,” states Allen. “Also some former alumni will be joining us this year, which adds that always changing “flavor” I always reference to in my Director’s Notes in the show program. We will be at a new venue after 18 years at Sandia Prep. This year we will be at the African American Performing Arts Center, which is exciting!” A lot of preparation goes into creating a show this size, but when it comes down to it, choreography is still king when it comes to time-management of the show. “Choreography is 10 I

very, very, very time consuming, not to mention being under pressure to create and pushing everyone in every area to stay on schedule.”

Even with all the pressure, the experience of creating these amazing dance performances is not lost on Allen. “It’s exciting - simply watching the final product with both the expected outcome as well as the unexpected [serendipity]. I feel like such a proud parent when watching it all come to light - seeing the pure joy that the dancers have on their faces during and after the performances.”

Looking back at her 40 years in the dance industry, Allen was quite clear on what she wanted her legacy to be. “My longevity for one thing. As I referred to before, I relate to the movie Birdman because he just couldn’t give up and neither can I - sometimes to a fault. Giving the tools to so many dancers to gain confidence in whatever direction everyone takes, they can take a piece of the Dance Exposé experience with them. Hopefully, it is a positive message that I could raise my daughter to work hard and to give her the opportunity to dance and sing with her dad.

And lastly to make MEMORIES of epic proportions!” NME - Teresa Ewers

New Mexico Entertainment • August 2015

MAKE ‘EM LAUGH: MARGARET RODGERS

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sense of humor is a requirement in Margaret Rodgers’ line of work.

A comedian and child caregiver, Margaret has been saved more than once by her smart mouth and quick wit. Born and raised in New Mexico with a son of her own, she is making her way through the murky world of entertainment and medicine. Who would have thought that comedy and medicine go together? With hopes of being an RN someday soon Margaret recently completed a doula class caring for children the minute they arrive in this giant world.

Her roommates here at the Comedy Mansion pushed her into to doing comedy after years of saying she would try it. Drew Wayne, who hosts the Back Alley Draft House open mic, forcefully signed her up for an open mic.

“He gave me two napkins - one for ideas and one for jokes.” That was the beginning of the end for

Margaret. By her own admission, she doesn’t practices at the open mics like she should. She prefers after a long day with the children in her care to unwind at home and think up her acts. However, she preps it’s definitely working.

“There is a difference in how boys introduce boys at shows and how they introduce girls.”

Margaret sees challenges in being a female comedian, but points out most of her friends are guys and the majority of the scene is well behaved. You have to be tough to make it in comedy - no matter what your sex is.

She’s hoping to someday run her own open mic and may even be in discussions with an undisclosed location about it. Podcasting is also on her radar. Any way you slice it, Margaret is quietly taking over the comedy scene here Albuquerque.. NME - Winter Elise

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New Mexico Entertainment • August 2015

NOW SHOWING - ANGRY MEN REVIEWS: INSIDE OUT

This is actually one of the hardest reviews I’ve ever written, pretty much because I’m about to tear into a good movie like a 6-year-old that has found their parents easter candy stash.

Look, it’s like this. Imagine if you knew you were going to go out to eat at your favorite steak house and were looking for a nice juicy rib eye (or if you are vegetarian a nice tofu salad or I don’t know what you would look forward to eating so just fill in whatever you want). As you count down the days your mouth starts to water in anticipation of that sweet medium rare slab of beef to the point that you are leaving trails of drool behind you where ever you go. That faithful day comes around and you walk into the restaurant only to find that they now are a Japanese fusion place and you have to get sushi. No matter how good that sushi is, there is going to be a big part of you that is going to be disappointed you didn’t get that steak.

That is why I didn’t like Inside Out, it was a good movie when all is said and done. It was well acted, well written, well directed, the visuals are imaginative and tell a story all by themselves, etc, etc.

I just was expecting a different movie then what I got.

Pixar has always tackled very mature themes while making the movie enjoyable for kids, they are the BEST at doing that. Up is the most shinning example of this formula, as it deals with a couple falling in love, finding out they can’t have kids, living a loving life, and then the wife dying all in the first 10 minutes or so of the movie. The rest of the movie is about the husband dealing with his loss while having a fun adventure and

becoming a father figure to a boy who really needed one. It was 10 to 15 minutes of lows that made the highs so much better, and kids and adults alike could enjoy the movie.

Inside Out does all of that masterfully as well…except for one thing They forgot the fun.

Inside Out is a great breakdown of how our emotions screw us up from childhood into adulthood. Its goal is to show how every joy in life comes with sorrow and it meets that goal and then some. The problem is that it does so by focusing on the sorrow side so heavily that every time you feel a little triumph or laugh at a good joke, (usually provided

by Anger played by awesome funny man Lewis Black), sorrow is there to kick you into orbit again. Other Pixar movies use the depressing themes as a foundation to build the fun and adventure, so the adventure feels so much higher and brighter because of it, the lows are left in the past and the highs have you bouncing out of the theater excited to see the movie again.

Inside Out is ALL about those depressing themes and you jump back and forth from enjoyable to depressed so much that when you leave the theater you may be happy about the ending, but you know that sorrow is just waiting to screw you again.

To me, the most telling thing was my daughter, who I took with me to see the movie. When we saw Up she wanted to turn around and see it again right away. When we left Inside Out I asked her if she wanted to see it again. “No daddy, I’m fine with once.” NME - Andrew Ragealotski

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COVER STORY: STEPHEN “tWITCH” BOSS & ALLISON HOLKER

“[I] Don’t have to speak, but can clearly relay how I feel while moving to music.

That’s powerful.

Dance is what music looks like. ”

® Photo provided by Parade

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New Mexico Entertainment • August 2015

Stephen “tWitch” Boss & Allison Holker

T

his summer heated up in more ways than one. Stephen “tWitch” Boss hit the big screen once again as the new member of the Magic Crew in Magic Mike XXL, co-starring Channing Tatum and Adam Rodriguez. tWitch has become a household name since appearing on Fox’s hit show, So You Think You Can Dance. The show lead to appearances in Hairspray, Stomp The Yard2, The Step Up series and caught him a talented and beautiful wife, SYTYCD alumni Allison Holker, now one of the pros on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars. The two took a moment to sit down with me and talk about the moment they met, their love of dance, and their updating projects. tWitch, I heard that your brother was stationed in New Mexico. Have you ever gotten to visit?

My brother was actually just stationed there for training and I never got to visit. Actually I’ve never spent time in New Mexico! Shouldn’t we change that?

Tell us about the moment that you met?

Allison: We met on the first All Star Season of So You Think You Can Dance (Season 7). We didn’t really converse much as the season went on but there was definitely an attraction. tWitch: I have to admit that Allison made the first move. A move I didn’t recognize until much later when we look back and talk about the beginning. I’m kind of thick headed like that!”

The night of the wrap party is our “movie moment”. We saw each other from afar, made eye contact, shared a first dance and have been together ever since. No lie. That first dance was magical.

What was your first experience when it came to dance? tWitch: My first dance experience was in front of my TV following either Michael Or Janet Jackson music videos.

I had to be around 5 or 6. Yeh, I had

the hat and the glove and everything.

Haha Allison: When I was 11 years old I had the opportunity to watch my sister dance in a company called RAW created by the magical MIA MICHAELS. It was the first time I had seen woman dancing so powerfully and so strong.

They were confident, feminine and athletic And I wanted to be just like them. It was in that moment that I knew I didn’t want to just dance but it was going to be my life career to dance and inspire the generations to come like my sister did for me in that moment.

What does dance mean to you? tWitch: Dance is a lane of expression that works perfectly for me. Don’t have to speak but can clearly relay how I feel while moving to music.

That’s powerful. Dance is what music looks like.

Allison: Dance isn’t just something I do, it’s who I am. It has shaped me into the woman I believe to be. It is my tool, my voice and my way of expression. Dance is something that everyone can connect with, and it fills the soul with joy. I know that I am doing what I am supposed to be doing every single day and I feel so blessed to have dance in my life.

Allison, you have now been on two of the top rated dance shows. What has the experience been like and which one is more challenging?

Well I first feel grateful to be able to call dance my career as it’s what I love to do day in and day out. But not only do I have the ability to dance everyday but I get to share it with the world by dancing on both So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars.

Being a part of these shows has giving me the ability to learn who I am, grow as a dancer and an artist, and inspire the next generation to come. Both shows come with their own challenges, you have to work hard every day with full commitment, you have

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® Angela Weiss/Getty Images Entertainment/ Getty Images

to be ready to get feedback from not just judges but the rest of the world, and believe in yourself enough every day to stand tall and know you are doing your best. Putting yourself out there for the rest of the world to judge and have an opinion can be scary but if you’re willing to take on the challenge you can conquering a many of fears in your life and come out giving hope to those who one day want to be in your shoes. We all must remember we are students forever and the ones that embrace that are the ones that succeed.

What has been your most memorable experience/project in your career?

Allison: My most memorable moment was ending up in the finale of DWTS season 20. My partner Riker and myself had worked so hard, but also shared so many laughs to get there.

I was proud of our journey and the friendship we know share. tWitch: It’s hard to pick the most memorable because all of it is incredible. I do have two defining moments though. 1. Doing the Wade Robson project. It was the first time the world

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got to know tWitch. 2. Making Sytycd. It was a heavy crossroad for me because if I didn’t make it on to season 4 I would have enlisted in the navy. How different would life be right now? Wow! You are dance’s new power couple.

How do you feel about the title?

The title “power couple” is both inspiring and humbling. We feel as though we now have an obligation to the dance world to continue to make art, show the beauty within dance and offer more opportunities to those of the next generation. There is also an obligation to improve the dance world and dance business for the generations coming up. So, our decisions of what to take on(as far as business) and how to do it, is now reflected and can be used as example.

Dance is powerful and getting more respect every day, we just have to continue to show the world what it already loves so much.

How do you juggle your careers and being parents [of Weslie Renae]?

Balance is the key to life. Being parents and having careers can be tricky.

New Mexico Entertainment • August 2015

But all we can do is try our best. We know where are our priorities lie and have committed to giving ourselves 100% wherever we are with whatever we are doing. Being present in the moment is all we can do, and that becomes a life choice.

Yes, it can be tiring but it’s worth it.

What upcoming projects should we be looking out for?

Allison: Dancing With The Stars Season 21 starts in September! tWitch: I have a part in an upcoming movie that I can’t talk about yet, but I’ll be acting and doing some choreography! Can’t wait to announce it! We both have costume lines coming up with our business partners Tenth House Costumes. We also are co-founders of CLI Studios- a digital platform that brings world renowned choreographers to your living room, dance studio, or wherever you are.

When it comes to the future, what do you want your legacy to be?

We live a life of faith in our dreams. So in turn, our legacy is built on following your dreams and making them reality. We are proof that what you imagine and passionately dream about can and will be a reality. With hard work, dedication and a vision we can do anything. NME - Teresa Ewers The happy family. Photo by ® McKenzie Deakins, Makeup by Vivian Johnson.

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THE 5: CHAD BRUMMETT What was the moment when you realized that being an actor was in your future?

I don’t know that there was a “clear” moment. I started when I was eight in a school production of “Oliver!”

It just stuck from there in some form or another since.

What’s it like being a regular face on KASA 2 Style?

It’s a dream job. The work allows me to share the various stories of New Mexico, our culture, history, businesses and future. It’s not just hosting - it’s writing, editing, shooting producing and ultimately, learning.

What positive moments and challenges have you experienced being an actor in New Mexico?

There are so many spectacular moments I’ve had in the industry here. Working with Academy Award-winning talent on some major projects, meeting an eclectic community of artists working on their own projects here in the state and seeing many of those artists grow to incredible levels. There is a glass ceiling, however, in terms of what out-of-state producers will cast from “local” hires. That challenge is getting smaller and smaller, but it’s still there.

Left to right: Brummett in 3:10 to Yuma with Russell Crowe; on the set of 2 Kasa Style with co-host Brittany Flowers & guest comedian David Koechner; Brummett with daughter, Annalise

What’s harder: Working a movie set or parenting?

Parenting. Movie sets for actors are easy. But, NOTHING on this planet is as rewarding or important as being a parent. I would trade EVERYTHING in the world in a heartbeat for my daughter.

What upcoming projects do we have to look forward to?

The Style show and mornings on 2 KASA will continue to grow and bring the stories of what makes New Mexico great to audiences around the state. Keep an eye out for new segments, new stories and discoveries of the hidden gems in the Land of Enchantment. NME

- Teresa Ewers

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New Mexico Entertainment • August 2015

THE ART WORLD: UNSEEN GALLERY

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ummer is in full bloom and the Unseen Gallery has sprung up in a new location. The gallery has just completed its move from a hidden spot up in the NE heights to a more visible location, just a bit south of Central on 303 Washington SE.

Unseen Gallery is the workshop and gallery of local artist, Darla Hallmark. Hallmark

has been creating fantastical beasts and intriguing jewelry and boxes in the Duke city for over 20 years. Last year, her work earned her the accolade of Artist Guest of Honor at Bubonicon 46, a local science fiction convention. The gallery displays her vast array of talent from coloring books (for both children and adults), jewelry, beasts and collage boxes and bowls. Her portrait and fantasy drawings line the walls, those of a more erotic nature are behind the wall. Hallmark also does vector graphics which can be printed on cloth and wallpaper.

New designs are added each week. The one thing you will not find is Southwestern kitsch. Learn more at www.unseengallery.com. NME - Brenda Cole

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THE CUT: JENNIFER JAMES 101

Jennifer James 101 4615 Menaul Blvd. NE 87110 (505) 884-3860

Thursday Night Prix Fixe Cherry night.

The prix fixe sounds like a good deal; and it is. There are few restaurants in Albuquerque where one can go and eat three amazing courses for less. Just know that the menu is deep enough (and changes frequently enough) that it is unlikely that a guest will have the self-control to just eat the $25 offering.

From the outside, the restaurant is pretty unassuming; it sits between a local burger joint and a hydroponic supply store. However, just step inside and it’s a snazzy bistro with a completely open kitchen.

The night we visited, Chef Jennifer was in plain sight, running the kitchen in humble dress.

That sort of explains the whole gestalt of the restaurant. There are no gimmicks, no trendy B.S.

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Chef Jennifer cooks food using a minimum of ingredients, letting them speak for themselves. Most of the dishes we ate had only a few ingredients, but they were treated with respect and allowed to stand with their compatriots to create deep flavor without the muddying that so many modern chefs present.

Our server, Bianca, offered us specials and appetizers from the menu.

She has a depth of knowledge that is rare in this town. She spent years at some of the top Santa Fe eateries before joining the 101 staff, and it showed. Our 8:30 p.m. reservation on a Thursday night meant that she had enough time to chat with us while taking care of her other tables. The site was classy, yet understated; no effort was made to put on airs. Yet, the moment we were seated, we were presented with an amuse bouche. This is a tiny appetizer found in the finest restaurants to let the chef brag on his or her skills. We received a tiny plate with a half of a baby carrot for each of us. The carrots were tender and just glazed on the cut side. That signaled the class we were about to be witness to.

The prix fixe menu consisted of three hefty courses: Crispy pork belly, arugula, Dijon aioli and pickled cherries.

Cherry-braised pork, mascarpone polenta and fennel.

Brown sugar cherry cakes with maple crema.

New Mexico Entertainment • August 2015

We began with the grilled foie gras over arugula with cherry vinaigrette and toast with foie butter. If you have ever tried to cook foie at home, you’ll know that it is a touchy ingredient at best.

Too much heat and it fries to a nasty crisp; too little heat and it gets tough and oily.

The foie was perfectly cooked with deep grill marks and a tender, medium center.

The cherry garnish and vinaigrette were just acidic and sweet enough to cut the unctuousness of the foie. Since my wife refuses to eat any type of liver, I was happy to devour her share. The whole table was excited about the chickpea fries. I envisioned tubes of falafel, but when the fries arrived, with mango-something sauce and chipotle ketchup, I was proven wrong. These crispy, delicate morsels appeared to be made of pureed chickpeas bolstered with dairy and gram flour.

Think of the ideal fish-stick from your youth, then take away the filthy seafood and replace it with clean, smooth garbanzo flavor. The crust was perfect; the inside had a custardy texture. They made me want to deconstruct the recipe and make them at home for every meal.

We had a lovely German, yes German, Pinot Noir Rosé with the apps.

I was stationed on the Rhine during the Cold War and believed that German Red = Bad; German White = Pretty good. This rosé rivaled Austrian and Alsatian rosés, and, at $34 for a bottle, was a deal as well.

It was smooth and tart, and paired with the apps like a wine twice the price.

On to the prix fixe meal. What can I say about the pork belly? Pork belly cooked properly is one of the finest tastes in cuisine. However, it is easy to ruin it by the improper preparation, preservation or cooking technique. I would have liked the pork belly to have been rendered just a touch more, but the deep, savory flavor and tenderness was just perfect when paired with peppery arugula and pickled cherries. My buddy, who despises mayonnaise and aioli, actually gave a thumbs up to the Dijon mustard aioli when he mixed on his fork with the pork belly and cherries. The cherry-braised pork was the dish in which I was not sure there were even any cherries. The sauce was deeply savory, with only a hint of fruit tartness.

Big chunks of pork fell apart under the fork. What looked like potatoes was a white-corn polenta, heavily dosed with mascarpone and silky smooth. A Willamette Valley (Oregon) Pinot Noir ($44) went well with the main course.

Since my wife is no fan of fennel or anything remotely resembling licorice, I was gifted with extra fennel. Trust me, I’m not complaining. As I was beginning to get full, I considered taking part of my main course home for later. There were joking threats of fisticuffs as to who got to eat it at midnight.

By this time, most of us were completely full, but there was the dessert course on the way. I’m not a sweet-tooth, but the brown sugar cherry cake with maple crema was very nice. No single element of the dessert was too sweet, but the whole was a wonderful blend of subtle flavors. (Hang on, I’m going to get my leftover dessert out of the fridge)

For four people, we spent $25 apiece on the prix fixe, about $20 on additional appetizers and $80 on wine. Add in a tip, and it came to about $260. For four people, it is hard to beat that price for the quality of food and service in this town. Have I had better food? Yes, but at far higher prices. Have I had a good time for less? Yes, but not as delicious or with better service. Jennifer James 101 goes straight into the rotation for a special night out every month or two. Trust me; it’s worth it.

It’s a shame (for you, my readers) that the Thursday night prix fixe menus are so ephemeral. By the time you read this, cherries might be out of season.

Fear not. Chef Jennifer plans her menus months in advance. I might not be able to make “Garlic Thursday,” but I bet you’ll see me there on “Basil Thursday.” NME - Steve Fye

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New Mexico Entertainment • August 2015

EXTRAS: MEOW WOLF IN VEGAS

Meow Wolf, an arts collaborative from Santa Fe, NM, is so excited to be selected as 1 of 5 out-of-state artists for the Art Motel at The Life is Beautiful Festival in Downtown Las Vegas, NV. Meow Wolf will install interactive, immersive artwork as part of a collaborative art project that will transform a motel in downtown Vegas into a wonderland of creative spectacle.

Founded in 2013 by Rehan Choudhry, Life is Beautiful is an inspirational music, food, art and learning festival held in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas. Spread over 11 city blocks, 4 massive stages host over 70 chart-topping musical acts.

In addition to a killer musical lineup, Life is Beautiful brings a unique twist to the festival experience. Food, art and learning are equally curated. Say so long to traditional festival fare! The Culinary Village offers food from some of the country’s top chefs and local hot-spots, and serves up specially curated craft cocktails, wines and beers. Street artists from all over the world bring new life to

Downtown with specifically designed murals throughout festival grounds. The Learning Series presents talks from speakers including social innovators, business leaders, activists, technologists and artists sharing their inspirational journey to living a beautiful life.

Meow Wolf is currently in mid-production of their first permanent art experience, housed at the old Silva Lanes bowling alley in Santa Fe, NM. To complete the Las Vegas install, Meow Wolf will take 8 artists from Santa Fe to Las Vegas for a week of collaboration. Meow Wolf’s artworks will include custom arcade machines, neon lights, lazers, fog, buttons, knobs, and lots of color.

The festival will take place September 25th thru 27th, with music headliners Stevie Wonder, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, Duran Duran, and many others. For more information on the festival visit www. lifeisbeautiful.com. To learn more about Meow Wolf visit www.meowwolf.com. NME

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

AUGUST 25, 2015 SUBLIME WITH ROME www.isletaamphitheater.net

UNTIL AUGUST 2 I DEATH OF A SALESMAN A story of gritty and unflinching hopes, as well as an indictment of the myth of the American Dream that “a man can end with diamonds here on the basis of being liked,” Death of a Salesman promises a provocative and powerful evening of theater.

Santa Fe Playhouse 142 E. De Vargas St. Santa Fe, NM 87501 http://santafeplayhouse.org/event/death-of-asalesman/2015-07-16/ UNTIL AUGUST 2 I 2015 CLAY FESTIVAL Enjoy a variety of workshops, demonstrations, lectures on everything from using clay in construction to contemporary ceramics; take home a work of art or a book or two from the CLAY Market. CLAY also offers tours of a handmade tile factory, a Gala reception, live music, juried exhibitions, and more.

Silver City, NM 88061 http://www.clayfestival.com/clay-2015.html

1-8 I 2015 VALENCIA COUNTY EXPO The event this year will be held at the Valencia “Y”. There will be events for the entire family.

Livestock shows, exhibitor party, dances, mud volleyball, ATV Rodeo, livestock auction.

3447 Lambros Lp SE. Los Lunas, NM http://www.vccexpo.org/ 14 I DIERKS BENTLEY, KIP MOORE, MADDIE AND TAE & CANAAN SMITH Isleta Amphitheater 5601 University Blvd. SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 www.isletaamphitheater.net 24 I The Aristocrats * Travis Larson Band Launchpad Albuquerque, NM https://holdmyticket.com/checkout/ event/200008

UNTIL AUGUST 2 I THE MUSIC MAN The Music Man follows fast-talking traveling salesman Harold Hill as he cons the people of River City, Iowa into buying instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band he vows to organize this despite the fact he doesn’t know a trombone from a treble clef. His plans to skip town with the cash are foiled when he falls for Marian the librarian, who transforms him into a respectable citizen by curtain’s fall.

UNM Rodey Theatre 1 University of New Mexico Albuquerque, NM http://www.landmarkmusicals.org/

25 I SUBLIME WITH ROME Isleta Amphitheater 5601 University Blvd. SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 www.isletaamphitheater.net

UNTIL AUGUST 8 I LEA COUNTY FAIR AND RODEO 2015 Lea County Fairgrounds 101 S. Commercial Lovington, NM 88260 http://www.leacounty.net/p/departments/ fairgrounds/lea-county-fair-and-prca-rodeo

30 I SLIPKNOT, LAMB OF GOD & BULLET FOR MY VALENTINE Isleta Amphitheater 5601 University Blvd. SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 www.isletaamphitheater.net

27 I KELLY CLARKSON, PENTATONIX & ERIC HUTCHINSON Isleta Amphitheater 5601 University Blvd. SE Albuquerque, NM 87106 www.isletaamphitheater.net

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New Mexico Entertainment • August 2015

SIGHTSEEING We had an opportunity to check out the Grand Opening of Home2 Suites, Albuquerque’s newest home away from home when it comes to hotels.

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New Mexico Entertainment • August 2015